Cahors sits in a dramatic loop of the River Lot in southwestern France, the old town almost entirely enclosed by water. It is best known for two things: the Pont Valentré, a fortified medieval bridge with three towers that is one of the finest in Europe, and the deep, dark Cahors wine — a Malbec that has been grown here since Roman times.
The old town is compact and pleasant to walk. The Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, with its two massive Romanesque domes, is among the most imposing churches in southwest France. The narrow medieval streets around it still have their half-timbered houses and the occasional hidden courtyard. The Saturday market fills the square with local produce — foie gras, truffles, walnuts, and cheese from the surrounding Quercy countryside.
Cahors makes a good base for exploring the Lot Valley. The river runs through a limestone gorge dotted with clifftop villages — Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched above the water, is one of the most photographed villages in France.